15 Last-Minute Christmas Dinners: Speedy Ways to Make Tonight Special

So you’ve shopped, wrapped, and pulled together all of the presents. But are you like me? Sitting in your kitchen, staring down an empty fridge, wondering why you haven’t already pulled together Christmas meal that’ll have the kiddies squealing? Yup. It happens to the best of us. I get overwhelmed at the prospect of having to come up with a “so-incredible” holiday mealtime tradition that I end up going all catatonic and not planning a single thing at all. Which is why I found myself hunting down ideas this morning for last-minute Christmas Eve dinners. I was pleasantly surprised to discover a good lot of mouthewatering recipe that take just minutes, have a short list of ingredients, and can still be popped in the table in time to make me look like a regular Mrs. Claus. Shall we start cooking, my spontaneous, last-minute food makers?!

2-Minute Tostadas 1 of 15

Toss together these festive tostadas in no time at all, turn your Christmas dinner into a Mexican-inspired feast! Get the recipe for 2-Minute Tostadas

3- Ingredients are all you need for this incredible, creamy Mac & Cheese, inspired by the California Pizza Kitchen! Get the recipe for CPK Mac & Cheese

2-Minute Chili 4 of 15

2-Minutes and you'll have a big, steamy pot of Chili which is perfect for feeding a last-minute Christmas crowd! Get the recipe for 2-Minute Chili

Easy Cheese Fondue 5 of 15

Christmas Eve fondue is a classic tradition, a fun way to serve your family, and a surprisingly simple way to pull together a last-minute meal! Get the recipe for Chipotle Tequila Cheese Fondue

Clam Chowder with Bacon 6 of 15

In my family, mom would always cook up a big pot of Clam Chowder. Deliciously easy and perfect for chilly, Christmas nights! Get the recipe forClam Chowder with Bacon

Sublimely Simple Ravioli Lasagna 7 of 15

Real fast lasagna it pulled together with a bag of ravioli! Whod've thunk dinner could be this easy and elegant?! Get the recipe for Ravioli Lasagna

The Best 20-Minute Salmon Ever 8 of 15

Grab a handful of basic ingredients and get cooking the best salmon you'll ever make. Takes just 20 minutes and you'll have a splendid meal! Get the recipe from Cheeky Kitchen

Monte Cristo Sandwiches 9 of 15

Monte Cristo Sandwiches can be made in minutes, but have a way of turning every meal into a party! Get the recipe from Cheeky Kitchen

Mediterranean Bakes 10 of 15

These rich, bacon-wrapped baked omelets are surprisingly simple to make, and so pretty to serve. Makes even Christmas dinner feel extra-special! Get the recipe from Strands of My Life

Easy Chicken Enchilada Spaghetti 11 of 15

Turn traditional spaghetti into an untraditionally delicious meal with this version of Chicken Enchilada Spaghetti! Who needs Christmas tamales when you've got this recipe?! Get the recipe from Tracey's Culinary Adventures

Bacon Jam & Guacamole Quesadillas 12 of 15

Quesadilla's are quick and easy, but when made with Bacon Jam and Guacamole…they're simply celebratory. Get the recipe from Closet Cooking

Speedy Shrimp Bowls 13 of 15

This simple shrimp stirfry is a gorgeous way to serve up a special Christmas dinner in minutes! Get the recipe from Heather Homemade

Easy Mussel’s 14 of 15

Even spontaneous, last-minute meal planners like you and me can have a remarkable meal. on the table just in time for Christmas Eve. Get the recipe from Citrus and Candy.

Homemade Ramen Bowls 15 of 15

Who'd have thunk a bag of ramen could turn into this beautiful, quick-and-easy Christmas meal? The perfect thing to slurp on a chilly evening! Get the recipe from Feasting at Home

Use a Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Your Facebook name, profile photo and other personal information you make public on Facebook (e.g., school, work, current city, age) will appear with your comment. Learn More.